"Ki" in Kata
By Brent Hansen, Auckland Kendo Club
To
many people I believe dance within their Budo Kata styles, by this I mean that
to understand exactly what's happening one needs to swallow the situation. First
learn the moves like a dance then as time passes they need to understand just
what is happening within that Kata, etc. This article is directed to beginners
and people trying to understand “Ki”
better.
When
you look at the Kendo / Iaido Kata performed at many events or within Dojo’s
there is a real sense of no development of “Ki.”
We
see time and time again two people going through a set of movements knowing
exactly just what to do but without the feeling of – this is a Battle!
Ki
is developed by time spent within this world in which we study, these situations
that we call Kata. In order to become stronger there is some basic rules that
should be followed and maintained.
Kamae’s
are very important – everything starts from a good Kamae.
Your
stomach needs to be tight and the breathing on a slow exhale during the Kata.
Your vision ( Metsuke ) needs to be so that opponent can’t see the
“whites” of your eyes – this way you can look anywhere on him and he
doesn’t know. Depending on the Kata – don’t rush, in a real life situation
would you “just rush in”.
Always
push the Kensen forward towards the opponent when taking a “Kamai” this is
good practice for putting the opponent under pressure and reinforces the develop
of Ki.
When
drawing the sword ensure that the Tsuka is slowly attacking the opponent as in
Mae – Seitei # 1 Kata. Draw the sword as if you are hunting the opponent.
Ki
is not a fast or a slow thing as it can’t be measured just felt, but in order
to develop Ki these basic things must firstly be covered.
Another
way to practice the development of Ki is by waiting to allow the opponent to
enter your space and believe they have the ability to strike you. This is the
basis for Jodo Kata and Kendo, allowing the opponent to attack and then at the
last moment move away. This practice develops mind and breathing control
that’s important for both Kata and Ki.